One of the toughest weeks of the fall drew to a close Friday as the Little Giant football team broke camp at the Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s National Conference Center near Marshall.

The football team made its annual pilgrimage to Marshall for an intense three-day camp. (See attached photo album.)

"At this point it’s hard to evaluate how good a football team we’re going to be," Coach Chris Creighton said. "Everyone is just learning and figuring out where to stand. But the unity, chemistry and the work ethic has been right on target."

Offensive tackle Patrick Millikin said there is a different feel in the air this year.

"We had a great camp in 2004, but this year we’re very focused," said the Second Team All-North Coast Athletic Conference selection. "We’re still taking things a day at a time, but we also have our eyes on the bigger picture of a successful season."

The team mixes traditional workouts, drills and meetings with fun activities as well. The junior class won the Thursday afternoon tug-of-way competition.

The hard work and even the fun has been challenging for the underclassmen.

"I wanted to be a little better coming into camp," sophomore Ray Green said. "I don’t feel that I’ve prepared as well as I could have. As a team I feel like we’re ahead of where we were last year. It feels like the second or third week of practice instead of just a few days."

An important part of camp is getting the freshmen to feel a part of the football family.

"It’s been tough as expected, but we’re getting through practices and the seniors are really helping everybody," said Freshman Chad Peterman, a three-time state 4A champion at Indianapolis Roncalli. "It’s been like a collective push from all our teammates to get through these first couple of days, which everyone says are the hardest."

Freshman Ja’Michael Hill has been one of those wide-eyed freshmen at camp.

"This is nothing like high school. I thought I would need to be prepared physically, but I’ve been surprised by how mentally tough the practices are," the Indianapolis Pike graduate said. "Nothing can prepare you for this kind of experience. What has helped is the way everyone steps forward to lend a hand.

"I hung out with a few guys from the football team who were my friends in high school. Here, in just a few days, it seems like every player on the team has been there for me. They told me last year I would become a part of the Wabash football family. It’s been true."